IRIDIUM 8 (24792)

COSPAR: 1997-020A | Alt Name: Iridium 8
DECAYED

Image
IRIDIUM 8 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 5, 1997

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC2W

Launch Vehicle

Delta 7920-10C

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

24792

International Designator

1997-020A

Decay Date

11/24/2017

Basic Satellite Info

Name

IRIDIUM 8

Alternative Name

Iridium 8

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

IRID

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
IRIDIUM 8 is a communication satellite identified by NORAD CAT ID 24792 and OBJECT ID 1997-020A. Launched on May 5, 1997, from AFWTR (SLC2W) using the Delta 7920-10C launch vehicle, it is part of the LM700 bus configuration designed by MOTO/LMMS for the US-based Iridium constellation. The satellite has a box shape with two deployable solar panels and measures 3.5 meters in length and 1 meter in diameter, with a span of 5 meters. It had an initial launch mass of 662 kg and a dry mass of 556 kg, powered by solar arrays and batteries. The mission is focused on communication purposes, and its expected lifetime was 8 years.
Physical Characteristics

Length

3.5

Diameter

1

Span

5

Dry Mass

556

Launch Mass

662

Shape

Box + 2 Pan

Radar Cross Section

3.5089

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Iridium SV008

Purpose

Communication

Mission

Communication

Manufacturer

MOTO/LMMS

Life Expectancy

8 years

Bus

LM700

Configuration

LM-700A

Motor

?

Equipment

?

Power System

2 deployable solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

X Report 30 Jun 2025

X Report 30 Jun 2025

SpaceX is exploring alternative options for static fire tests amid infrastructure setbacks, emphasizing their adaptability in operations.

Satellites by Country

Satellites by Country

Explore a comprehensive breakdown of satellite counts by country, detailing the USA, Russia, China, and others.

X Report 20 Mar 2025

X Report 20 Mar 2025

SpaceX successfully rotates Crew-9 and Crew-10 on the ISS and launches new Starlink satellites with direct-to-cell capability.

X Report 27 Nov 2024

X Report 27 Nov 2024

SpaceX secures FCC nod for Starlink's direct-to-phone connectivity, lands NASA's Dragonfly mission, and sees new competition with the ZhuQue-2E launch.

Northrop Grumman Books $71M Charge on Vulcan Booster Anomaly | KeepTrack Space Brief

Northrop Grumman Books $71M Charge on Vulcan Booster Anomaly | KeepTrack Space Brief

Northrop Grumman takes $71M charge over Vulcan solid rocket booster anomaly, grounding ULA's vehicle. Vulcan manifest timelines now in holding pattern pending resolution.

Space Brief 15 Nov 2024

Space Brief 15 Nov 2024

Today's Space Brief covers China's Haiyang-4 satellite launch, Intuitive Machines' Artemis infrastructure proposals, deployment of the GREMLIN sensor suite, and more.

Space Brief 8 Sep 2025

Space Brief 8 Sep 2025

Today's highlights include China's Yaogan-40 satellite launch, military contracts for rocket studies, and SpaceX's 500th booster landing.

Space Brief 27 Dec 2025

Space Brief 27 Dec 2025

Today's Space Brief covers a notable satellite deployment in LEO, a leadership shift in Blue Origin's defense wing, and ongoing recovery efforts for NASA's MAVEN orbiter.